Several Wisconsin campgrounds are preparing for the upcoming camping season with a range of new amenities and attractions, including expanded water-based recreation, additional family-focused activities, and updated food and beverage offerings aimed at increasing guest engagement and extending stays.
According to the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO), these changes reflect a continued focus among independently owned parks on enhancing guest experiences, particularly for families.
Lori Severson, executive director of the organization, said, “Wisconsin campground owners are always making improvements, really anything they can do to heighten their appeal, especially for families with children,” said Lori Severson, executive director of the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO).
The association hosts WisconsinCampgrounds.com, which includes links to more than 200 independently owned and operated campgrounds that are not typically listed on government websites.
Among the properties making updates is Anchor Campgrounds in Spooner, Wisconsin, which includes Anchor Bay Campground and Anchor Woods Campground. The park is adding more inflatables to Bass Lake for the season.
The two properties sit across from each other, with Anchor Bay featuring lakeside views, a beach area, and a camp store, while Anchor Woods is located in a wooded setting and was expanded in 2020 to accommodate additional campsites and ATV users in the region. The campground is also introducing themed programming, including Christmas in July and pre-Halloween activities.
In Baraboo, Fox Hill RV Resort & Campground is adding a jumping pillow to its amenity lineup. The property already features a wide range of facilities, including an expanded nature trail, heated outdoor pool, swimming pond, aquatic zone, disc golf, dog parks, and an RC track. The park also runs themed weekends and live entertainment events throughout the season.
In Door County, Harbour Village Resort and Waterpark in Sturgeon Bay is introducing a floating obstacle course and opening its waterpark for day use for the first time. The campground is also remodeling its activity center and adding a food truck, along with an ice cream and snack shop.
The park’s existing features include an activity pool, splash pad, outdoor slides, and an adults-only pool, along with recreational amenities such as mini golf and tennis courts.
Keyes Lake Campground in Florence, Wisconsin, under new ownership, is planning expanded food and recreation offerings, including fresh-baked pastries, a coffee bar, pizza, and additional hot food options at its ice cream shop.
The property also plans to introduce rentals such as golf carts, fishing boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and side-by-sides. Located across from Keyes Lake, the campground provides access to fishing and ATV trails and operates year-round.
Lake Arrowhead Campground in Montello is adding shade structures around its recently introduced lounging swimming pool, which opened last summer. The pool features multiple coves designed for group seating in the water.
The campground also offers additional amenities such as a playground, fishing pond, sports courts, gaga ball, and a jumping pillow, along with organized activities and themed weekends.
In Shell Lake, Red Barn Campground is expanding its swimming pond and adding additional inflatables as part of its seasonal upgrades. The park also offers access to hiking and ATV trails, along with on-site recreation including a jump pillow, mini golf, sand volleyball, and water-based inflatable structures.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the developments across these properties highlight a broader trend in Wisconsin toward experiential upgrades, particularly water-based attractions and multi-use family amenities that can support longer stays and repeat visitation.
This aligns with ongoing demand for campgrounds that combine traditional outdoor experiences with resort-style recreation and flexible food service options.
WACO continues to promote independent parks through WisconsinCampgrounds.com and its printed and digital campground guide, which features listings for more than 200 privately owned campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts across the state.
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) is the trade association representing independently owned and operated campgrounds and RV parks in Wisconsin.
Featured image by Jeff Crider